De Dochter van de Korenaar

The borders of the nations in Europe are the result of centuries of wars, changing political leadership, Royal marriages and treaties. It is what makes the borders seem random: squiggly lines that seem to make no sense.

Baarle-Hertog takes the cake with its borders. It is completely surrounded by the Netherlands but is 100% Belgian. 22 tiny enclaves, the result of a quirk of history. The border runs through streets, meadows, even through houses with some parts are only a few square meters.

It is in this part of both Belgium and the Netherlands that Ronald Mengerink started his brewery: De Dochter van de Korenaar (Daughter of the Ear of Corn). A brewer from Twente, who lived in Groningen and who now lives with his family in Belgium and who makes universally celebrated beers. Beers that are neither purely Belgian or Dutch but represent the fading borders in Europe. Borderbeer of the highest order.

Beginnings

Brewer Ronald Mengerinks interest in beer started while biking to school in Twen

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